On Saturday, March 21, on the 22nd day of the war, and following escalating military and security tensions in the Middle East, a series of political and military developments occurred at the international level, including at the United Nations Security Council, indicating the expansion of the crisis and growing concerns about energy security and regional stability.
The Security Council’s order to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, announced that the Security Council has ordered the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in response to escalating conflicts. After meeting with European Union leaders in Brussels, he warned that continuation of this situation could push the crisis out of control. Referring to the global consequences of the closure of this vital passage, Guterres emphasized that it would place widespread pressure on people around the world. He also called for a halt to attacks by the United States and Israel and an end to the Iranian regime’s military actions against countries in the region and warned about targeting energy infrastructure—an act that, according to him, could constitute a war crime.
Ten-million-dollar reward for information on IRGC commanders
The U.S. Department of State, continuing its maximum pressure policy, has announced rewards of up to 10 million dollars for information on senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Iranian regime’s main military force. This action is part of the Rewards for Justice program and includes key individuals in military, intelligence, and cyber sectors. The statement emphasized that these individuals have played roles in designing and executing regional and international operations. It also noted that those who provide information may receive, in addition to financial rewards, assistance in relocating. This measure continues a trend that has previously targeted other senior officials.
According to this announcement, rewards of up to 10 million dollars have been set for information on Ahmad Vahidi, Ali Abdollahi, Saeed Aghajani, Hamidreza Lashgarian, and Majid Khademi—individuals active in various branches of the IRGC, including aerospace, cyber, and intelligence sectors.
Continuation of retaliatory attacks and regional threats
In the early hours of the Iranian New Year, reports emerged of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on cities such as Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan. At the same time, the IRGC announced the start of a new round of missile attacks against Israel. In another development, this military body threatened to target the city of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates and urged residents to leave the area. These threats come as tensions are increasingly spreading to other countries in the region.
The United States’ dual stance on continuing the war
Donald Trump stated that Washington is considering a gradual reduction of military operations, but at the same time emphasized that it has no interest in establishing a ceasefire. He claimed that much of the Iranian regime’s military capability has been destroyed and that key U.S. objectives—such as weakening missile capabilities and preventing access to nuclear weapons—are close to being achieved. Trump also stressed full alignment with Israel, stating that both sides seek total victory.
The United Kingdom’s alignment and reactions of Western allies
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reversing his previous position, authorized the United States to use British military bases to strike targets related to the Strait of Hormuz. This decision was made following attacks by the Iranian regime on the interests of London’s allies. However, the British government has still emphasized the need to reduce tensions. At the same time, several European countries, along with Japan and Canada, issued a joint statement condemning attacks on commercial vessels and expressing readiness to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Overall, these developments indicate that the current crisis has entered a sensitive and complex phase—one in which efforts to contain the conflict are being pursued simultaneously with escalating military actions by various actors, leaving its future uncertain.
